Enlarged Liver Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

What is an enlarged liver?

A liver which is bigger than its usual size is called an enlarged liver. Enlarged liver is known as hepatomegaly, in medical term. Clearly, it is not a disease, but an indication towards a problem, for example cancer or liver disease. Its treatment involves determining and controlling what’s exactly causing an enlarged liver.

What are the symptoms of an enlarged liver?

Normally, an enlarged liver does not cause any obvious symptoms, however, when it occurs due to liver disease, your may experience:

How is an enlarged liver diagnosed?

First of all, the doctor will conduct a thorough physical examination in order to detect your enlarged liver. He or she will estimate its size by feeling its extension below the rib cage. Furthermore, he will also observe the liver texture. Depending upon the causal problem, the enlarged liver tends to feel irregular, firm or soft. After the doctor concludes the patient has an enlarged liver, he or she may suggest the following tests in order to determine its cause:

Blood tests.

Imaging tests.

Imaging tests.

Magnetic resonance elastography.

Liver biopsy.

How is an enlarged liver treated?

The treatment of an enlarged liver merely focuses in determining and controlling the causal problem which has leaded an enlarged liver.

Prevention:

In order to minimize the chances of developing liver disease, follow the following:

Stick to the doses your doctor has prescribed while taking medications, supplements and vitamins.

Go for a healthy diet that includes whole grains, fresh vegetables and fruits.